North Korea’s state media has reported on the celebration of the China-North Korea Friendship Treaty, marking a significant shift from last year. This suggests a gradual thawing of the previously strained relations between North Korea and China.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, published an article on Friday titled “Strengthening China-North Korea Friendly Cooperation on the Path of Socialism.” The article emphasized that the treaty serves as a crucial milestone in bolstering strategic cooperation between the two nations and acts as a driving force behind their joint struggle for socialism.
The newspaper further noted that since the treaty’s signing, both countries have actively promoted their shared socialist cause and friendly relations. It highlighted the close cooperation between the two parties and people across various sectors, including politics, economics, and culture. The article claimed that this collaboration has led to significant advancements in socialist construction and substantially contributed to regional and global peace and security.
The Rodong Sinmun also emphasized the resilience of China-North Korea relations, asserting that their bond remains strong even in challenging circumstances. It stressed that the people of both nations will continue to uphold the spirit of the treaty, working jointly to elevate their friendship to new heights.
The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, signed by North Korea and China on July 11, 1961, includes a provision for automatic military intervention in the event of an attack by sure allies on either country. Since then, both nations have held annual commemorative events to mark this agreement.
Traditionally, North Korea’s representation at these events has been at the level of the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, equivalent to a high-ranking legislative official. However, last year saw a departure from this norm when Kim Seung Chan, Chairman of the North Korea-China Friendship Committee and President of Kim Il Sung University, attended as the main guest. This change was interpreted as a potential downgrade in representation, possibly reflecting a weakening of North Korea-China ties amid North Korea’s growing closeness to Russia.
This year, however, North Korea’s decision to once again send the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly to the celebration is being viewed as a sign of improving relations between North Korea and China, indicating a possible shift in North Korea’s diplomatic priorities.